Mukaza : beer or gold? The administration threatens speculators of beer produced by Brarudi

SOS Médias Burundi

Bujumbura, June 26, 2025 — The administrator of the urban district of Mukaza in the commercial city of Bujumbura, Florent Nkezabahizi, issued a stern warning on Tuesday to owners of liquor stores operating within his jurisdiction. He ordered them to strictly adhere to the official prices of the Burundi Brewery Company (Brarudi) products, according to the operating licenses issued. Any violator is liable to a fine of one million Burundi francs or more, along with a prison sentence. He stated this during a meeting with those concerned.

A this meeting, convened with administrative officials and security forces, aimed to curb speculative practices observed in the beer market, particularly around popular products such as the old-style Amstel, Amstel Royale, and Bock.

Stock shortages and speculation : traders at the end of their tether

The traders present did not hide their frustration. They denounced persistent irregularities in the distribution chain, claiming that some drinks are diverted to other areas, or even exported to neighboring countries, before reappearing in Burundi at exorbitant prices.

“We’re talking about a product like the Big Amstel 65 cl, whose official price is 3,500 francs, but which ends up at over 18,000 francs! This is unprecedented!” complained a Bujumbura resident. “This kind of price increase, once reserved for VIP restaurants, is now affecting small neighborhood shops.”

For some traders, these products have become as rare as illicit substances. “We have to beg those who have them, it’s shameful!” lamented one participant.

A crisis fueled by exports
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The representative of the Brewery and soft srink Factory of Burundi (Brarudi), present at the meeting, attempted to justify the situation by citing the company’s economic needs. According to him, selling these beverages abroad, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo, generates essential foreign currency to purchase raw materials.

However, local traders believe this policy penalizes the Burundian population. They are calling on Brarudi to increase its production to primarily meet domestic demand and put an end to the price surge caused by scarce supplies.

For several years, the small East African nation has been facing a beverage shortage affecting its entire territory. This persistent situation fuels speculation and creates a climate of high tension in the markets.

A commercial capital under pressure

Mukaza, home to the majority of the commercial capital’s VIP restaurants and high-end hotels, has been particularly affected by this crisis. Administrator Nkezabahizi struggled to contain the anger of the bar owners, who were clearly exhausted. He nevertheless reaffirmed his commitment to enforcing the regulations.

“It’s high time this situation changed,” concluded one trader. “The population is fed up with this growing poverty, where survival is becoming a daily exercise in resilience.”

Faced with this persistent crisis, expectations are high for the authorities and Brarudi to restore fair access to beverages and provide relief to an already suffering population.